US20220295654A1 - Electronic device - Google Patents
Electronic device Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20220295654A1 US20220295654A1 US17/513,309 US202117513309A US2022295654A1 US 20220295654 A1 US20220295654 A1 US 20220295654A1 US 202117513309 A US202117513309 A US 202117513309A US 2022295654 A1 US2022295654 A1 US 2022295654A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- terminal
- batteries
- case
- battery
- electronic device
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Granted
Links
- 239000000758 substrate Substances 0.000 claims description 34
- 210000000078 claw Anatomy 0.000 claims description 20
- 230000002093 peripheral effect Effects 0.000 claims description 12
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 13
- 238000012856 packing Methods 0.000 description 8
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Chemical compound O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 6
- 230000006866 deterioration Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 description 4
- 230000002265 prevention Effects 0.000 description 3
- 230000008901 benefit Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000004020 conductor Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 description 2
- 230000009467 reduction Effects 0.000 description 2
- HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N Lithium ion Chemical group [Li+] HBBGRARXTFLTSG-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 230000001133 acceleration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004075 alteration Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000005452 bending Methods 0.000 description 1
- OJIJEKBXJYRIBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N cadmium nickel Chemical compound [Ni].[Cd] OJIJEKBXJYRIBZ-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 238000007599 discharging Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052739 hydrogen Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000001257 hydrogen Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229910001416 lithium ion Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000004519 manufacturing process Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000008520 organization Effects 0.000 description 1
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000006467 substitution reaction Methods 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/02—Details
- H05K5/0247—Electrical details of casings, e.g. terminals, passages for cables or wiring
-
- G—PHYSICS
- G06—COMPUTING; CALCULATING OR COUNTING
- G06F—ELECTRIC DIGITAL DATA PROCESSING
- G06F1/00—Details not covered by groups G06F3/00 - G06F13/00 and G06F21/00
- G06F1/26—Power supply means, e.g. regulation thereof
- G06F1/263—Arrangements for using multiple switchable power supplies, e.g. battery and AC
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/284—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders with incorporated circuit boards, e.g. printed circuit boards [PCB]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H05—ELECTRIC TECHNIQUES NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- H05K—PRINTED CIRCUITS; CASINGS OR CONSTRUCTIONAL DETAILS OF ELECTRIC APPARATUS; MANUFACTURE OF ASSEMBLAGES OF ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS
- H05K5/00—Casings, cabinets or drawers for electric apparatus
- H05K5/02—Details
- H05K5/0217—Mechanical details of casings
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H01—ELECTRIC ELEMENTS
- H01M—PROCESSES OR MEANS, e.g. BATTERIES, FOR THE DIRECT CONVERSION OF CHEMICAL ENERGY INTO ELECTRICAL ENERGY
- H01M50/00—Constructional details or processes of manufacture of the non-active parts of electrochemical cells other than fuel cells, e.g. hybrid cells
- H01M50/20—Mountings; Secondary casings or frames; Racks, modules or packs; Suspension devices; Shock absorbers; Transport or carrying devices; Holders
- H01M50/204—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells
- H01M50/207—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape
- H01M50/213—Racks, modules or packs for multiple batteries or multiple cells characterised by their shape adapted for cells having curved cross-section, e.g. round or elliptic
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W84/00—Network topologies
- H04W84/02—Hierarchically pre-organised networks, e.g. paging networks, cellular networks, WLAN [Wireless Local Area Network] or WLL [Wireless Local Loop]
- H04W84/10—Small scale networks; Flat hierarchical networks
- H04W84/12—WLAN [Wireless Local Area Networks]
-
- H—ELECTRICITY
- H04—ELECTRIC COMMUNICATION TECHNIQUE
- H04W—WIRELESS COMMUNICATION NETWORKS
- H04W88/00—Devices specially adapted for wireless communication networks, e.g. terminals, base stations or access point devices
- H04W88/02—Terminal devices
Definitions
- a certain aspect of the embodiments is related to an electronic device.
- Patent Document 1 Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2006-325343
- the laptop computer can operate on a power from either the battery pack or the AC adapter.
- the battery pack and the AC adapter have a common terminal structure. That is, the battery pack and the AC adapter have the same shape, and a main body connection terminal of the battery pack and a connection terminal of the AC adapter are provided at the same location, and both are connected to a connection terminal of the laptop computer.
- Patent Document 2 Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2012-157924
- a cable and a connector extending from a controller in the electric tool are exposed to the outside.
- a PC can be connected to the connector via an adapter and a USB cable. Data communication can be performed from the PC to the controller mounted on the electric tool via the USB cable.
- the USB connection cannot supply the power source for operating the motor of the electric tool, and is used for data transfer.
- an electronic device capable of operating by a current supplied from a power supply cable or a battery, including: a first terminal configured to supply the current from the power supply cable; a second terminal configured to supply the current from the battery; and a first case having a first storage configured to store the power supply cable inserted into the first terminal and a second storage configured to store the battery in contact with the second terminal, wherein the first storage overlaps with the second storage.
- FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of an electronic device including a backflow protection element
- FIG. 1B is a circuit diagram of an electronic device according to a present embodiment
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a beacon terminal according to a present embodiment
- FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the beacon terminal equipped with batteries
- FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the beacon terminal to which a USB cable is connected;
- FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a front surface of a printed circuit substrate
- FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a back surface of the printed circuit substrate
- FIG. 5A is a plan view of an inner case
- FIG. 5B is a plan view of the inner case according to a first variation
- FIG. 5C is a plan view of the inner case according to a second variation
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the beacon terminal when the USB cable is used
- FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a state before a top case is attached to a bracket
- FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a state after the top case is attached to the bracket
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the beacon terminal when the batteries are used.
- FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a battery cap is attached to the top case.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the batteries and the printed circuit substrate.
- FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of an electronic device including a backflow protection element.
- FIG. 1B is a circuit diagram of an electronic device according to a present embodiment.
- An electronic device 1 a of FIG. 1A includes a power supply connector 2 (hereinafter referred to simply as “a connector”), a load element 3 , batteries 4 , and backflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b .
- An electronic device 1 b according to the present embodiment includes the connector 2 , the load element 3 , and the batteries 4 , but does not include the backflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b.
- Each of the electronic devices 1 a and 1 b is a device capable of using two or more types of power supply sources such as the connector 2 and the batteries 4 , and is a beacon terminal, a mobile printer, a smartphone, a laptop computer, an electric tool, or the like, for example.
- the connector 2 is a DC (Direct Current) connector, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, or the like.
- the load element 3 is a load such as a processor, a memory, various sensors, a wireless module, or a motor.
- Each of the batteries 4 is, for example, a primary battery capable of only discharging DC power, or a secondary battery that repeatedly charges and discharges.
- the primary battery is a dry battery, a button battery, or the like.
- the secondary battery is a lithium ion battery, a nickel-hydrogen storage battery, a nickel-cadmium storage battery, or the like.
- the number of batteries 4 does not necessarily need to be four, and it is not necessary to connect two batteries 4 in parallel.
- each of the electronic devices 1 a and 1 b may be driven by one battery 4 .
- the backflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b are diodes, for example.
- the backflow protection element 5 a is connected between the connector 2 and the load element 3 so that the current from the connector 2 flows to the load element 3 and the current from the batteries 4 does not flow to the connector 2 .
- the backflow protection element 5 b is connected between the batteries 4 and the load element 3 so that the current from the batteries 4 flows to the load element 3 and the current from the connector 2 does not flow to the batteries 4 .
- the conventional electronic device 1 a When the drive by the power supply from the batteries 4 and the drive by the external power supply from the connector 2 are used together, the conventional electronic device 1 a requires a circuit configuration for preventing the backflow of the current for the simultaneous power supply of the batteries 4 and the connector 2 (external power supply) for safety measures such as prevention of leakage and ignition. In other words, if the current flows back into the batteries 4 or the connector 2 , the backflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b are provided so as to prevent the batteries 4 , the connector 2 , or the external power supply connected to the connector 2 from failing.
- a DC cable or USB cable from the external power source cannot be connected to the connector 2 unless all or a part of the batteries 4 (the two batteries 4 in an area X in the example of FIG. 1B ) are removed. Since the selective connection between the batteries 4 and the external power source is physically secured as described above, the backflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b are not required. Since the batteries 4 and the external power source cannot be used at the same time due to the physical structure of the electronic device 1 b , the safety measures can be taken. Also, it is possible to obtain the effects of cost reduction by downsizing the substrate mounted on the electronic device 1 b , reducing the weight of the electronic device 1 b , and removing the backflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b.
- a beacon terminal 100 (hereinafter referred to simply as “a terminal”) will be described as an example of the electronic device 1 b according to the present embodiment.
- the electronic device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the terminal 100 , and may be a mobile printer, a smart phone, a laptop computer, an electric tool or the like.
- FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal 100 according to the present embodiment.
- FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the terminal 100 equipped with batteries.
- FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the terminal 100 to which a USB cable is connected.
- the terminal 100 can operate with a current from either batteries 180 or a USB cable 181 .
- the terminal 100 is configured so that the USB cable 181 cannot be connected unless a part of the batteries 180 (two batteries 180 in the middle of FIG. 2 ) is removed.
- the batteries 180 is primary batteries or secondary batteries.
- An external power cable that supplies a direct current (DC) may be connected instead of the USB cable 181 .
- the external power cable such as the USB cable 181 or a DC cable or an AC cable is an example of a power supply cable. If a main body is equipped with a converter, an AC power supply may be connected.
- four batteries 180 are used, and the series connection of the two batteries 180 is used in parallel connection of two lines. Thereby, it can be used for a long period of time (for example, about 5 years) without replacing the batteries.
- the terminal 100 includes a QR (Quick Response) label 101 , a top case 110 (a second case), a waterproof and moisture permeable sheet 120 (hereinafter referred to simply as “a sheet”), an LED lens 130 , a printed circuit substrate 140 , a spring 150 , an inner case 160 (a first case), packings 170 a and 170 b made of a rubber (a first waterproof member and a second waterproof member), a battery cap 190 (hereinafter referred to simply as “a cap”), and a bracket 200 .
- the terminal 100 includes a stopper anchor 151 , a USB connector 152 , and a flexible cable 153 .
- the QR label 101 is a label for identifying the terminal 100 , and is attached to the center of an upper surface of the top case 110 .
- the top case 110 has a box shape with an opening as illustrated in FIG. 6 , and is a waterproof case that covers each element such as the printed circuit substrate 140 and the inner case 160 .
- the upper surface of the top case 110 includes an opening 111 for taking in outside air and an opening 112 for exposing the LED lens 130 .
- the sheet 120 has an annular shape and is a sheet that allows air and water vapor to pass through but does not allow water to pass through.
- Double-sided tapes 121 having waterproof performance is provided on the inner and outer circumferences of the sheet 120 .
- the sheet 120 is fixed to the back surface of the top case 110 facing the batteries 180 so as to close the opening 111 with the double-sided tapes 121 .
- a temperature and humidity sensor 242 mounted on the printed circuit substrate 140 can measure a temperature and a humidity of the air that has passed through the sheet 120 .
- the LED lens 130 is a lens that functions as a transparent window in which an illuminance sensor 244 (see FIG. 4A ) mounted on the printed circuit substrate 140 measures the external brightness, and further the transparent window for visually recognizing the light emission of the LED 245 (see FIG. 4A ) mounted on the printed circuit substrate 140 .
- a part of the LED lens 130 projects from the opening 112 of the top case 110 .
- the LED lens 130 is fixed to the back surface of the top case 110 with a waterproof double-sided tape (not illustrated).
- FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a front surface of the printed circuit substrate 140 .
- FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a back surface of the printed circuit substrate 140 .
- a front surface 141 is the upper surface of the printed circuit substrate 140 facing the top case 110 of FIG. 2
- a back surface 142 is a back side of the front surface 141 .
- a wireless module 240 , an antenna 241 , a temperature and humidity sensor 242 , a noise sensor 243 , the illuminance sensor 244 , an LED 245 , and a cable connection terminal 250 are mounted on the front surface 141 .
- the wireless module 240 and the antenna 241 function as a wireless communication unit that executes wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN to an external device.
- An acceleration gyro sensor 246 and a tact switch 247 are mounted on the back surface 142 .
- the printed circuit substrate 140 has openings 248 and 249 through which protrusions 162 and 163 (see FIG. 2 ) of the inner case 160 are penetrated, respectively.
- the wireless module 240 outputs a beacon signal via the antenna 241 .
- the temperature and humidity sensor 242 measures the temperature and humidity of the air.
- the noise sensor 243 measures a noise level.
- the illuminance sensor 244 converts incident light into a current and measures the brightness.
- the LED 245 emits light according to various light emitting conditions. The operation of the terminal 100 can be confirmed by light emission from the LED 245 .
- the gyro sensor 246 measures the movement (change in speed) and the rotation of the terminal 100 .
- the tact switch 247 instructs switching of various settings and the like.
- the cable connection terminal 250 is a terminal for electrically connecting the flexible cable 153 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B ) to the printed circuit substrate 140 .
- the spring 150 (second terminal) is an electrode that comes into contact with one end of the batteries 180 , is fixed to the inner case 160 , and is not connected to the printed circuit substrate 140 .
- a spring 145 (second terminal), which is an electrode that contacts the other end of the batteries 180 , is fixed to the printed circuit substrate 140 .
- a push button 161 is a button for turning on/off the tact switch 247 mounted on the printed circuit substrate 140 , and is attached to the inner case 160 .
- the inner case 160 includes claws 164 for fixing the printed circuit substrate 140 .
- the inner case 160 stores the batteries 180 .
- the inner case 160 is fixed to the top case 110 with screws.
- the packing 170 a is provided between the top case 110 and the inner case 160 .
- the packing 170 a is attached around the side surface of the inner case 160 to prevent the water from entering between the top case 110 and the inner case 160 .
- the packing 170 b is provided between the inner case 160 and the cap 190 .
- the packing 170 b is attached around the side surface of the inner case 160 to prevent the water from entering between the inner case 160 and the cap 190 . That is, the packings 170 a and 170 b prevent the water from entering the printed circuit substrate 140 .
- the cap 190 is attached to the top case 110 when the battery 180 is used.
- the cap 190 is attached to the inner case 160 , so that the waterproof performance can be ensured (see FIG. 3A ).
- the bracket 200 is used by the user to secure the terminal 100 to a wall or ceiling with screws 210 .
- the bracket 200 is fixed to the wall or ceiling, but the terminal 100 can be removed and attached from/to the bracket 200 by sliding.
- the stopper anchor 151 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B ) is a block for fixing the USB connector 152 (first terminal) so that the USB connector 152 does not move by the pushing of the USB cable 181 when the USB cable 181 is connected.
- the flexible cable 153 electrically connects the USB connector 152 to the printed circuit substrate 140 .
- FIG. 5A is a plan view of the inner case 160 .
- FIG. 5B is a plan view of the inner case 160 according to a first variation.
- FIG. 5C is a plan view of the inner case 160 according to a second variation.
- FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate the structure of the inner case 160 when viewed from a lower side of FIG. 2 , i.e., when viewed from the bracket 200 .
- the inner case 160 includes four battery storage portions 165 (second storage) storing four batteries 180 and a cable storage portion 166 (first storage) storing the USB cable 181 .
- the number of battery storage portions 165 is not limited to four, and may be one or more.
- the cable storage portion 166 is formed so as to overlap with the two battery storage portions 165 in a plan view.
- the batteries need to be removed from at least the two battery storage portions 165 in the middle of the four battery storage portions 165 .
- the cable storage portion 166 should be provided at least at a position where the power supply by the batteries can be cut off when the USB cable 181 is connected.
- An opening 167 for inserting the USB cable 181 into the USB connector 152 is formed at one end of the cable storage portion 166 .
- the battery storage portion 165 is provided horizontally in FIG. 3A
- the cable storage portion 166 is provided so as to be tilted by an angle ⁇ (first angle: for example, 5 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less) with respect to a horizontal surface. That is, the position of the cable storage portion 166 differs from the positions of the battery storage portions 165 not only in the horizontal direction (X and Y directions) but also in the height direction (a Z direction).
- the cable storage portion 166 is formed along the X direction, but may be formed along the Y direction as illustrated in FIG. 5B .
- the opening 167 is provided on an inner wall of the battery storage portion 165 located on the outermost side, and the USB cable 181 is inserted into the USB connector 152 along the Y direction through the opening 167 . Due to this structure, in the example of FIG. 5B , it is necessary to remove all four batteries from the battery storage portions 165 in order to connect the USB cable 181 to the USB connector 152 .
- the opening 167 may be provided on the inner wall of the battery storage portions 165 so as to overlap with a boundary portion between the two battery storage portions 165 located in the middle of the four battery storage portions 165 , as illustrated in FIG. 5C .
- the opening 167 houses the tip of the USB cable 181
- the cable storage portion 166 is formed around the opening 167 .
- the USB cable 181 is inserted into the USB connector 152 along the Z direction. In the case of this structure, it is necessary to remove at least two batteries located in the middle of the four battery storage portions 165 in order to connect the USB cable 181 to the USB connector 152 .
- FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the terminal 100 when the USB cable 181 is used.
- FIG. 6 illustrates the structure of the terminal 100 when viewed from the lower side of FIG. 2 .
- the inner case 160 illustrated in FIG. 5A is used.
- the inner case 160 includes four battery storage portions 165 and the cable storage portion 166 .
- An outer peripheral edge 116 on the opening side opposite to the upper surface of the top case 110 is provided with four claws 115 that engage with the bracket 200 .
- Two of the claws 115 are provided on each of two opposite sides of the outer peripheral edge 116 .
- the bracket 200 includes a plurality of protrusions 201 that engage with the claw portion 115 , a plurality of through holes 202 and 203 through which cables and the like are passed, a notch 204 through which the USB cable 181 is passed, and a plurality of through holes 205 for screwing the bracket 200 .
- the USB cable 181 may be passed through any of the through holes 202 and 203 instead of the notch 204 .
- the plurality of through holes 202 and 203 function as relief holes that prevent protrusions 191 of the cap 190 described later from coming into contact with the bracket 200 . Further, when the bracket 200 is attached to the wall or ceiling, the plurality of through holes 202 and 203 function as wiring openings for connecting the cable drawn from the wall or ceiling to the USB connector 152 or the printed circuit substrate 140 .
- the plurality of protrusions 201 are provided on each of the inner walls of four side surfaces 206 of the bracket 200 . Thereby, the top case 110 can be attached to the bracket 200 even if it is rotated by 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees with respect to the bracket 200 .
- FIG. 7A illustrates a state before the top case 110 is attached to the bracket 200 .
- FIG. 7B illustrates a state after the top case 110 is attached to the bracket 200 .
- the claws 115 engage with the protrusions 201 , so that the top case 110 can be attached to the bracket 200 .
- No special tool or the like is required to attach the top case 110 to the bracket 200 .
- the top case 110 is removed from the bracket 200
- the top case 110 is slid to the right direction in FIG. 7A .
- the claws 115 are released from the protrusions 201 , so that the top case 110 can be removed from the bracket 200 .
- FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the terminal 100 when the batteries 180 are used.
- FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of the terminal 100 when viewed from the lower side of FIG. 2 .
- FIG. 9 illustrates a state in which the cap 190 is attached to the top case 110 .
- FIG. 8 the inner case 160 illustrated in FIG. 5A is used.
- the structures of the top case 110 and the bracket 200 are the same as those in FIG. 6 .
- the cap 190 is used to secure the batteries 180 inside the inner case 160 .
- An outer peripheral edge 192 of the cap 190 is provided with four protrusions 191 .
- Two of the protrusions 191 are provided on each of two opposite sides of the outer peripheral edge 192 .
- the four protrusions 191 are arranged so as to face the four claws 115 , respectively.
- the heights of the outer peripheral edge 116 of the top case 110 and the outer peripheral edge 192 of the cap 190 are substantially the same as each other.
- a height h 1 of the protrusions 191 is set slightly higher (e.g. about 1 mm) than a height h 2 of the claws 115 .
- the weight of the terminal 100 is light. Therefore, even if the top case 110 is accidentally dropped, the claws 115 do not easily break or bend by hitting the floor. On the other hand, when the batteries 180 are installed, the weight of the terminal 100 becomes heavy. If the top case 110 is dropped in this state, the claws 115 hit the floor, which increases the possibility of their breaking or bending.
- the height h 1 of the protrusions 191 is set slightly higher than the height h 2 of the claws 115 of the top case 110 in order to reduce the possibility that the claws 115 break or bend by hitting the floor.
- FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the batteries 180 and the printed circuit substrate 40 .
- the inner case 160 is omitted.
- the printed circuit substrate 140 is tilted by an angle ⁇ (second angle: for example, 5 degrees or more) with respect to the batteries 180 so that the wireless module 240 and the antenna 241 mounted on the printed circuit substrate 140 are separated from the batteries 180 .
- the battery 180 which is a conductor, gets too close to the wireless module 240 and the antenna 241 , the wireless antenna characteristics deteriorate. Therefore, the printed circuit substrate 140 is tilted with respect to the batteries 180 by the angle ⁇ so that the wireless module 240 and the antenna 241 are separated from the batteries 180 (conductor). Thereby, the deterioration of the wireless antenna characteristics can be suppressed.
- ribs 169 are provided on a surface 168 of the inner case 160 facing the printed circuit substrate 140 so that the printed circuit substrate 140 is tilted by the angle ⁇ with respect to the batteries 180 . This also makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of the wireless antenna characteristics.
- the printed circuit substrate 140 is supported from the lower side by a part of the surface 168 and the ribs 169 so as to be tilted by the angle ⁇ , and is fixed from the upper side by the claws 164 (see FIG. 2 ) of the inner case 160 .
- the terminal 100 includes the inner case 160 having the cable storage portion 166 that stores the USB cable 181 inserted into the USB connector 152 , and the battery storage portions 165 that store the batteries 180 in contact with the springs 145 and 150 .
- the cable storage portion 166 is formed so as to overlap with the battery storage portions 165 .
- the USB cable 181 overlaps with the positions of the batteries 180 .
- the USB cable 181 from the external power source cannot be connected to the USB connector 152 unless all or the part of the batteries 180 (e.g. two middle batteries 180 in the example of FIGS.
- the cable storage portion 166 overlaps with the battery storage portions 165 in the plan view, the positions of the cable storage portion 166 or the USB connector 152 differ from the position of the battery storage portions 165 in the height direction of the terminal 100 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B ).
- the USB cable 181 crosses the battery storage portions 165 . Therefore, the physical structure of the terminal 100 makes it possible to avoid the simultaneous use of the batteries 180 and the external power source.
- the cable storage portion 166 overlaps with the battery storage portions 165 in the plan view, but the cable storage portion 166 or the USB connector 152 is provided so as to be tilted by a first angle with respect to the battery storage portions 165 (see FIGS. 3A and 3B ).
- the USB cable 181 crosses the battery storage portions 165 . Therefore, the physical structure of the terminal 100 makes it possible to avoid the simultaneous use of the batteries 180 and the external power source.
- the printed circuit substrate 140 is tilted by the angle ⁇ with respect to the batteries 180 stored in the battery storage portions 165 so that the wireless module 240 and the antenna 241 are separated from the batteries 180 . Thereby, the deterioration of the wireless antenna characteristics can be suppressed.
- the ribs 169 are provided on the surface 168 of the inner case 160 facing the printed circuit substrate 140 so that the printed circuit substrate 140 is tilted by the angle ⁇ with respect to the batteries 180 . This also makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of the wireless antenna characteristics.
- the protrusions 201 are provided on each side surface of the bracket 200 , and claws 115 that engage with the protrusions 201 are provided on two opposite sides of the outer peripheral edge 116 of the top case 110 .
- the top case 110 can be attached to the bracket 200 even if it is rotated by 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees with respect to the bracket 200 .
- the outer peripheral edge 116 of the top case 110 is provided with the claws 115
- the outer peripheral edge 192 of the cap 190 is provided with the protrusions 191 .
- the height h 1 of the protrusions 191 is higher than the height h 2 of the claws 115 . Therefore, when the top case 110 is dropped, it is possible to reduce the possibility that the claws 115 of the top case 110 break or bend by hitting the floor.
- the packing 170 a is arranged between the inner case 160 and the top case 110
- the packing 170 b is arranged between the inner case 160 and the cap 190 . Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water from entering between the inner case 160 and the top case 110 and between the inner case 160 and the cap 190 .
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Microelectronics & Electronic Packaging (AREA)
- Electrochemistry (AREA)
- Theoretical Computer Science (AREA)
- Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
- General Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
- General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- General Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
- Power Engineering (AREA)
- Battery Mounting, Suspending (AREA)
- Charge And Discharge Circuits For Batteries Or The Like (AREA)
Abstract
Description
- This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2021-037699 filed on Mar. 9, 2021, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.
- A certain aspect of the embodiments is related to an electronic device.
- There is known a laptop computer having a battery storage unit that stores either a battery pack or an AC adapter (e.g., Patent Document 1: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2006-325343). The laptop computer can operate on a power from either the battery pack or the AC adapter. In Patent Document 1, the battery pack and the AC adapter have a common terminal structure. That is, the battery pack and the AC adapter have the same shape, and a main body connection terminal of the battery pack and a connection terminal of the AC adapter are provided at the same location, and both are connected to a connection terminal of the laptop computer.
- In addition, there is known an electric tool that drives a motor using an electric power supplied from the battery pack (e.g., Patent Document 2: Japanese Laid-open Patent Publication No. 2012-157924). When the battery pack is removed from the electric tool, a cable and a connector extending from a controller in the electric tool are exposed to the outside. A PC can be connected to the connector via an adapter and a USB cable. Data communication can be performed from the PC to the controller mounted on the electric tool via the USB cable. In
Patent Document 2, the USB connection cannot supply the power source for operating the motor of the electric tool, and is used for data transfer. - According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided an electronic device capable of operating by a current supplied from a power supply cable or a battery, including: a first terminal configured to supply the current from the power supply cable; a second terminal configured to supply the current from the battery; and a first case having a first storage configured to store the power supply cable inserted into the first terminal and a second storage configured to store the battery in contact with the second terminal, wherein the first storage overlaps with the second storage.
- The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.
- It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention, as claimed.
-
FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of an electronic device including a backflow protection element; -
FIG. 1B is a circuit diagram of an electronic device according to a present embodiment; -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of a beacon terminal according to a present embodiment; -
FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the beacon terminal equipped with batteries; -
FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the beacon terminal to which a USB cable is connected; -
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a front surface of a printed circuit substrate; -
FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a back surface of the printed circuit substrate; -
FIG. 5A is a plan view of an inner case; -
FIG. 5B is a plan view of the inner case according to a first variation; -
FIG. 5C is a plan view of the inner case according to a second variation; -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the beacon terminal when the USB cable is used; -
FIG. 7A is a diagram illustrating a state before a top case is attached to a bracket; -
FIG. 7B is a diagram illustrating a state after the top case is attached to the bracket; -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the beacon terminal when the batteries are used; -
FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a state in which a battery cap is attached to the top case; and -
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between the batteries and the printed circuit substrate. - When the power supply by a primary battery and the power supply from the outside by the USB cable are used together in an electronic device, a circuit configuration to protect the backflow of a current for safety measures such as prevention of liquid leakage and ignition is required for the simultaneous power supply of the primary battery and the external power supply. However, since the circuit for protecting the backflow of the current is required, the manufacturing cost of the electronic device increases.
- It is an object of the present disclosure to provide an electronic device capable of eliminating the need for the circuit for protecting the backflow of the current and avoiding the simultaneous use of a plurality of power supplies having different terminal structures from each other.
- Hereinafter, a description will be given of the present embodiments of the present disclosure with reference to the drawings.
-
FIG. 1A is a circuit diagram of an electronic device including a backflow protection element.FIG. 1B is a circuit diagram of an electronic device according to a present embodiment. - An
electronic device 1 a ofFIG. 1A includes a power supply connector 2 (hereinafter referred to simply as “a connector”), aload element 3,batteries 4, andbackflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b. Anelectronic device 1 b according to the present embodiment includes theconnector 2, theload element 3, and thebatteries 4, but does not include thebackflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b. - Each of the
electronic devices connector 2 and thebatteries 4, and is a beacon terminal, a mobile printer, a smartphone, a laptop computer, an electric tool, or the like, for example. - The
connector 2 is a DC (Direct Current) connector, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) connector, or the like. Theload element 3 is a load such as a processor, a memory, various sensors, a wireless module, or a motor. Each of thebatteries 4 is, for example, a primary battery capable of only discharging DC power, or a secondary battery that repeatedly charges and discharges. The primary battery is a dry battery, a button battery, or the like. The secondary battery is a lithium ion battery, a nickel-hydrogen storage battery, a nickel-cadmium storage battery, or the like. The number ofbatteries 4 does not necessarily need to be four, and it is not necessary to connect twobatteries 4 in parallel. For example, each of theelectronic devices battery 4. - The
backflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b are diodes, for example. The backflow protection element 5 a is connected between theconnector 2 and theload element 3 so that the current from theconnector 2 flows to theload element 3 and the current from thebatteries 4 does not flow to theconnector 2. Thebackflow protection element 5 b is connected between thebatteries 4 and theload element 3 so that the current from thebatteries 4 flows to theload element 3 and the current from theconnector 2 does not flow to thebatteries 4. - When the drive by the power supply from the
batteries 4 and the drive by the external power supply from theconnector 2 are used together, the conventionalelectronic device 1 a requires a circuit configuration for preventing the backflow of the current for the simultaneous power supply of thebatteries 4 and the connector 2 (external power supply) for safety measures such as prevention of leakage and ignition. In other words, if the current flows back into thebatteries 4 or theconnector 2, thebackflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b are provided so as to prevent thebatteries 4, theconnector 2, or the external power supply connected to theconnector 2 from failing. - In the
electronic device 1 b according to the present embodiment, a DC cable or USB cable from the external power source cannot be connected to theconnector 2 unless all or a part of the batteries 4 (the twobatteries 4 in an area X in the example ofFIG. 1B ) are removed. Since the selective connection between thebatteries 4 and the external power source is physically secured as described above, thebackflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b are not required. Since thebatteries 4 and the external power source cannot be used at the same time due to the physical structure of theelectronic device 1 b, the safety measures can be taken. Also, it is possible to obtain the effects of cost reduction by downsizing the substrate mounted on theelectronic device 1 b, reducing the weight of theelectronic device 1 b, and removing thebackflow protection elements 5 a and 5 b. - Hereinafter, a beacon terminal 100 (hereinafter referred to simply as “a terminal”) will be described as an example of the
electronic device 1 b according to the present embodiment. The electronic device according to the present embodiment is not limited to the terminal 100, and may be a mobile printer, a smart phone, a laptop computer, an electric tool or the like. -
FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the terminal 100 according to the present embodiment.FIG. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the terminal 100 equipped with batteries.FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the terminal 100 to which a USB cable is connected. - The terminal 100 can operate with a current from either
batteries 180 or aUSB cable 181. The terminal 100 is configured so that theUSB cable 181 cannot be connected unless a part of the batteries 180 (twobatteries 180 in the middle ofFIG. 2 ) is removed. Thebatteries 180 is primary batteries or secondary batteries. An external power cable that supplies a direct current (DC) may be connected instead of theUSB cable 181. The external power cable such as theUSB cable 181 or a DC cable or an AC cable is an example of a power supply cable. If a main body is equipped with a converter, an AC power supply may be connected. In the present embodiment, fourbatteries 180 are used, and the series connection of the twobatteries 180 is used in parallel connection of two lines. Thereby, it can be used for a long period of time (for example, about 5 years) without replacing the batteries. - As illustrated in
FIG. 2 , the terminal 100 includes a QR (Quick Response)label 101, a top case 110 (a second case), a waterproof and moisture permeable sheet 120 (hereinafter referred to simply as “a sheet”), anLED lens 130, a printedcircuit substrate 140, aspring 150, an inner case 160 (a first case),packings bracket 200. Further, as illustrated inFIGS. 3A and 3B , the terminal 100 includes astopper anchor 151, aUSB connector 152, and aflexible cable 153. - The
QR label 101 is a label for identifying the terminal 100, and is attached to the center of an upper surface of thetop case 110. - The
top case 110 has a box shape with an opening as illustrated inFIG. 6 , and is a waterproof case that covers each element such as the printedcircuit substrate 140 and theinner case 160. The upper surface of thetop case 110 includes anopening 111 for taking in outside air and anopening 112 for exposing theLED lens 130. - The
sheet 120 has an annular shape and is a sheet that allows air and water vapor to pass through but does not allow water to pass through. Double-sided tapes 121 having waterproof performance is provided on the inner and outer circumferences of thesheet 120. Thesheet 120 is fixed to the back surface of thetop case 110 facing thebatteries 180 so as to close theopening 111 with the double-sided tapes 121. Thereby, a temperature and humidity sensor 242 (seeFIG. 4A ) mounted on the printedcircuit substrate 140 can measure a temperature and a humidity of the air that has passed through thesheet 120. - The
LED lens 130 is a lens that functions as a transparent window in which an illuminance sensor 244 (seeFIG. 4A ) mounted on the printedcircuit substrate 140 measures the external brightness, and further the transparent window for visually recognizing the light emission of the LED 245 (seeFIG. 4A ) mounted on the printedcircuit substrate 140. A part of theLED lens 130 projects from theopening 112 of thetop case 110. TheLED lens 130 is fixed to the back surface of thetop case 110 with a waterproof double-sided tape (not illustrated). -
FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a front surface of the printedcircuit substrate 140.FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating the configuration of a back surface of the printedcircuit substrate 140. Afront surface 141 is the upper surface of the printedcircuit substrate 140 facing thetop case 110 ofFIG. 2 , and aback surface 142 is a back side of thefront surface 141. - A
wireless module 240, anantenna 241, a temperature andhumidity sensor 242, anoise sensor 243, theilluminance sensor 244, anLED 245, and acable connection terminal 250 are mounted on thefront surface 141. Thewireless module 240 and theantenna 241 function as a wireless communication unit that executes wireless communication such as Bluetooth (registered trademark) or wireless LAN to an external device. Anacceleration gyro sensor 246 and atact switch 247 are mounted on theback surface 142. The printedcircuit substrate 140 hasopenings protrusions 162 and 163 (seeFIG. 2 ) of theinner case 160 are penetrated, respectively. - The
wireless module 240 outputs a beacon signal via theantenna 241. The temperature andhumidity sensor 242 measures the temperature and humidity of the air. Thenoise sensor 243 measures a noise level. Theilluminance sensor 244 converts incident light into a current and measures the brightness. TheLED 245 emits light according to various light emitting conditions. The operation of the terminal 100 can be confirmed by light emission from theLED 245. Thegyro sensor 246 measures the movement (change in speed) and the rotation of the terminal 100. Thetact switch 247 instructs switching of various settings and the like. Thecable connection terminal 250 is a terminal for electrically connecting the flexible cable 153 (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B ) to the printedcircuit substrate 140. - Returning to
FIG. 2 , the spring 150 (second terminal) is an electrode that comes into contact with one end of thebatteries 180, is fixed to theinner case 160, and is not connected to the printedcircuit substrate 140. A spring 145 (second terminal), which is an electrode that contacts the other end of thebatteries 180, is fixed to the printedcircuit substrate 140. - A
push button 161 is a button for turning on/off thetact switch 247 mounted on the printedcircuit substrate 140, and is attached to theinner case 160. - The
inner case 160 includesclaws 164 for fixing the printedcircuit substrate 140. Theinner case 160 stores thebatteries 180. Theinner case 160 is fixed to thetop case 110 with screws. - The packing 170 a is provided between the
top case 110 and theinner case 160. The packing 170 a is attached around the side surface of theinner case 160 to prevent the water from entering between thetop case 110 and theinner case 160. The packing 170 b is provided between theinner case 160 and thecap 190. The packing 170 b is attached around the side surface of theinner case 160 to prevent the water from entering between theinner case 160 and thecap 190. That is, thepackings circuit substrate 140. - The
cap 190 is attached to thetop case 110 when thebattery 180 is used. When the power source is supplied by thebatteries 180, thecap 190 is attached to theinner case 160, so that the waterproof performance can be ensured (seeFIG. 3A ). - The
bracket 200 is used by the user to secure the terminal 100 to a wall or ceiling withscrews 210. Thebracket 200 is fixed to the wall or ceiling, but the terminal 100 can be removed and attached from/to thebracket 200 by sliding. - The stopper anchor 151 (see
FIGS. 3A and 3B ) is a block for fixing the USB connector 152 (first terminal) so that theUSB connector 152 does not move by the pushing of theUSB cable 181 when theUSB cable 181 is connected. Theflexible cable 153 electrically connects theUSB connector 152 to the printedcircuit substrate 140. -
FIG. 5A is a plan view of theinner case 160.FIG. 5B is a plan view of theinner case 160 according to a first variation.FIG. 5C is a plan view of theinner case 160 according to a second variation.FIGS. 5A to 5C illustrate the structure of theinner case 160 when viewed from a lower side ofFIG. 2 , i.e., when viewed from thebracket 200. - In
FIG. 5A , theinner case 160 includes four battery storage portions 165 (second storage) storing fourbatteries 180 and a cable storage portion 166 (first storage) storing theUSB cable 181. The number ofbattery storage portions 165 is not limited to four, and may be one or more. Thecable storage portion 166 is formed so as to overlap with the twobattery storage portions 165 in a plan view. When using theUSB cable 181, the batteries need to be removed from at least the twobattery storage portions 165 in the middle of the fourbattery storage portions 165. Thecable storage portion 166 should be provided at least at a position where the power supply by the batteries can be cut off when theUSB cable 181 is connected. Anopening 167 for inserting theUSB cable 181 into theUSB connector 152 is formed at one end of thecable storage portion 166. Further, thebattery storage portion 165 is provided horizontally inFIG. 3A , and thecable storage portion 166 is provided so as to be tilted by an angle α (first angle: for example, 5 degrees or more and 45 degrees or less) with respect to a horizontal surface. That is, the position of thecable storage portion 166 differs from the positions of thebattery storage portions 165 not only in the horizontal direction (X and Y directions) but also in the height direction (a Z direction). - In
FIG. 5A , thecable storage portion 166 is formed along the X direction, but may be formed along the Y direction as illustrated inFIG. 5B . In this case, theopening 167 is provided on an inner wall of thebattery storage portion 165 located on the outermost side, and theUSB cable 181 is inserted into theUSB connector 152 along the Y direction through theopening 167. Due to this structure, in the example ofFIG. 5B , it is necessary to remove all four batteries from thebattery storage portions 165 in order to connect theUSB cable 181 to theUSB connector 152. Further, theopening 167 may be provided on the inner wall of thebattery storage portions 165 so as to overlap with a boundary portion between the twobattery storage portions 165 located in the middle of the fourbattery storage portions 165, as illustrated inFIG. 5C . In this case, since the opening 167 houses the tip of theUSB cable 181, thecable storage portion 166 is formed around theopening 167. TheUSB cable 181 is inserted into theUSB connector 152 along the Z direction. In the case of this structure, it is necessary to remove at least two batteries located in the middle of the fourbattery storage portions 165 in order to connect theUSB cable 181 to theUSB connector 152. -
FIG. 6 is a perspective view of the terminal 100 when theUSB cable 181 is used.FIG. 6 illustrates the structure of the terminal 100 when viewed from the lower side ofFIG. 2 . - In
FIG. 6 , theinner case 160 illustrated inFIG. 5A is used. Theinner case 160 includes fourbattery storage portions 165 and thecable storage portion 166. An outerperipheral edge 116 on the opening side opposite to the upper surface of thetop case 110 is provided with fourclaws 115 that engage with thebracket 200. Two of theclaws 115 are provided on each of two opposite sides of the outerperipheral edge 116. - The
bracket 200 includes a plurality ofprotrusions 201 that engage with theclaw portion 115, a plurality of throughholes notch 204 through which theUSB cable 181 is passed, and a plurality of throughholes 205 for screwing thebracket 200. TheUSB cable 181 may be passed through any of the throughholes notch 204. The plurality of throughholes protrusions 191 of thecap 190 described later from coming into contact with thebracket 200. Further, when thebracket 200 is attached to the wall or ceiling, the plurality of throughholes USB connector 152 or the printedcircuit substrate 140. - The plurality of
protrusions 201 are provided on each of the inner walls of fourside surfaces 206 of thebracket 200. Thereby, thetop case 110 can be attached to thebracket 200 even if it is rotated by 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees with respect to thebracket 200. -
FIG. 7A illustrates a state before thetop case 110 is attached to thebracket 200.FIG. 7B illustrates a state after thetop case 110 is attached to thebracket 200. By sliding thetop case 110 to the left direction inFIG. 7A , theclaws 115 engage with theprotrusions 201, so that thetop case 110 can be attached to thebracket 200. No special tool or the like is required to attach thetop case 110 to thebracket 200. When thetop case 110 is removed from thebracket 200, thetop case 110 is slid to the right direction inFIG. 7A . Thereby, theclaws 115 are released from theprotrusions 201, so that thetop case 110 can be removed from thebracket 200. -
FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the terminal 100 when thebatteries 180 are used.FIG. 8 illustrates the structure of the terminal 100 when viewed from the lower side ofFIG. 2 .FIG. 9 illustrates a state in which thecap 190 is attached to thetop case 110. - Also in
FIG. 8 , theinner case 160 illustrated inFIG. 5A is used. The structures of thetop case 110 and thebracket 200 are the same as those inFIG. 6 . - The
cap 190 is used to secure thebatteries 180 inside theinner case 160. An outerperipheral edge 192 of thecap 190 is provided with fourprotrusions 191. Two of theprotrusions 191 are provided on each of two opposite sides of the outerperipheral edge 192. - As illustrated in
FIG. 9 , the fourprotrusions 191 are arranged so as to face the fourclaws 115, respectively. When thecap 190 is attached to thetop case 110, the heights of the outerperipheral edge 116 of thetop case 110 and the outerperipheral edge 192 of thecap 190 are substantially the same as each other. A height h1 of theprotrusions 191 is set slightly higher (e.g. about 1 mm) than a height h2 of theclaws 115. - When the
batteries 180 are not installed, the weight of the terminal 100 is light. Therefore, even if thetop case 110 is accidentally dropped, theclaws 115 do not easily break or bend by hitting the floor. On the other hand, when thebatteries 180 are installed, the weight of the terminal 100 becomes heavy. If thetop case 110 is dropped in this state, theclaws 115 hit the floor, which increases the possibility of their breaking or bending. The height h1 of theprotrusions 191 is set slightly higher than the height h2 of theclaws 115 of thetop case 110 in order to reduce the possibility that theclaws 115 break or bend by hitting the floor. -
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a positional relationship between thebatteries 180 and the printed circuit substrate 40. InFIG. 10 , theinner case 160 is omitted. - As illustrated in
FIG. 10 , the printedcircuit substrate 140 is tilted by an angle θ (second angle: for example, 5 degrees or more) with respect to thebatteries 180 so that thewireless module 240 and theantenna 241 mounted on the printedcircuit substrate 140 are separated from thebatteries 180. If thebattery 180, which is a conductor, gets too close to thewireless module 240 and theantenna 241, the wireless antenna characteristics deteriorate. Therefore, the printedcircuit substrate 140 is tilted with respect to thebatteries 180 by the angle θ so that thewireless module 240 and theantenna 241 are separated from the batteries 180 (conductor). Thereby, the deterioration of the wireless antenna characteristics can be suppressed. - As illustrated in
FIGS. 3A and 3B ,ribs 169 are provided on asurface 168 of theinner case 160 facing the printedcircuit substrate 140 so that the printedcircuit substrate 140 is tilted by the angle θ with respect to thebatteries 180. This also makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of the wireless antenna characteristics. The printedcircuit substrate 140 is supported from the lower side by a part of thesurface 168 and theribs 169 so as to be tilted by the angle θ, and is fixed from the upper side by the claws 164 (seeFIG. 2 ) of theinner case 160. - As described above, the terminal 100 according to the present embodiment includes the
inner case 160 having thecable storage portion 166 that stores theUSB cable 181 inserted into theUSB connector 152, and thebattery storage portions 165 that store thebatteries 180 in contact with thesprings cable storage portion 166 is formed so as to overlap with thebattery storage portions 165. As a result, when theUSB cable 181 is inserted into theUSB connector 152, theUSB cable 181 overlaps with the positions of thebatteries 180. For this reason, theUSB cable 181 from the external power source cannot be connected to theUSB connector 152 unless all or the part of the batteries 180 (e.g. twomiddle batteries 180 in the example ofFIGS. 5A and 5C , or allbatteries 180 in the example ofFIG. 5B ) are removed. In this way, since the selective connection between thebatteries 180 and the external power source is physically secured, the backflow protection element is not required. Since thebatteries 180 and the external power source cannot be used at the same time due to the physical structure of the terminal 100, the safety measures such as prevention of liquid leakage and ignition can be taken. Further, it is possible to obtain the effects of cost reduction by downsizing the printedcircuit substrate 140, reducing the weight of the terminal 100, and reducing the number of backflow protection elements. - Further, although the
cable storage portion 166 overlaps with thebattery storage portions 165 in the plan view, the positions of thecable storage portion 166 or theUSB connector 152 differ from the position of thebattery storage portions 165 in the height direction of the terminal 100 (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B ). As a result, when theUSB cable 181 is connected to theUSB connector 152, theUSB cable 181 crosses thebattery storage portions 165. Therefore, the physical structure of the terminal 100 makes it possible to avoid the simultaneous use of thebatteries 180 and the external power source. Similarly, thecable storage portion 166 overlaps with thebattery storage portions 165 in the plan view, but thecable storage portion 166 or theUSB connector 152 is provided so as to be tilted by a first angle with respect to the battery storage portions 165 (seeFIGS. 3A and 3B ). As a result, when theUSB cable 181 is connected to theUSB connector 152, theUSB cable 181 crosses thebattery storage portions 165. Therefore, the physical structure of the terminal 100 makes it possible to avoid the simultaneous use of thebatteries 180 and the external power source. - According to the present embodiment, the printed
circuit substrate 140 is tilted by the angle θ with respect to thebatteries 180 stored in thebattery storage portions 165 so that thewireless module 240 and theantenna 241 are separated from thebatteries 180. Thereby, the deterioration of the wireless antenna characteristics can be suppressed. - Further, the
ribs 169 are provided on thesurface 168 of theinner case 160 facing the printedcircuit substrate 140 so that the printedcircuit substrate 140 is tilted by the angle θ with respect to thebatteries 180. This also makes it possible to suppress the deterioration of the wireless antenna characteristics. - According to the present embodiment, the
protrusions 201 are provided on each side surface of thebracket 200, andclaws 115 that engage with theprotrusions 201 are provided on two opposite sides of the outerperipheral edge 116 of thetop case 110. Thereby, thetop case 110 can be attached to thebracket 200 even if it is rotated by 90 degrees, 180 degrees, or 270 degrees with respect to thebracket 200. - Further, according to the present embodiment, the outer
peripheral edge 116 of thetop case 110 is provided with theclaws 115, and the outerperipheral edge 192 of thecap 190 is provided with theprotrusions 191. The height h1 of theprotrusions 191 is higher than the height h2 of theclaws 115. Therefore, when thetop case 110 is dropped, it is possible to reduce the possibility that theclaws 115 of thetop case 110 break or bend by hitting the floor. - Further, according to the present embodiment, the packing 170 a is arranged between the
inner case 160 and thetop case 110, and the packing 170 b is arranged between theinner case 160 and thecap 190. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the water from entering between theinner case 160 and thetop case 110 and between theinner case 160 and thecap 190. - All examples and conditional language recited herein are intended for pedagogical purposes to aid the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to furthering the art, and are to be construed as being without limitation to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that the various change, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.
Claims (7)
Applications Claiming Priority (2)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
JP2021-037699 | 2021-03-09 | ||
JP2021037699A JP2022137954A (en) | 2021-03-09 | 2021-03-09 | Electronic apparatus |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20220295654A1 true US20220295654A1 (en) | 2022-09-15 |
US11812573B2 US11812573B2 (en) | 2023-11-07 |
Family
ID=78725222
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US17/513,309 Active US11812573B2 (en) | 2021-03-09 | 2021-10-28 | Electronic device capable of avoiding simultaneous use of power supplies having different terminal structures from each other |
Country Status (3)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (1) | US11812573B2 (en) |
EP (1) | EP4057107B1 (en) |
JP (1) | JP2022137954A (en) |
Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5805440A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1998-09-08 | Chinon Kabushiki Kaisha | Power supply unit for electronic device |
US7058295B2 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2006-06-06 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic equipment |
US9260909B2 (en) * | 2011-12-01 | 2016-02-16 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Cover unit including a lock mechanism |
US11239684B2 (en) * | 2018-09-28 | 2022-02-01 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic device and control method |
Family Cites Families (7)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
GB1419828A (en) | 1972-02-29 | 1975-12-31 | Int Standard Electric Corp | Power supply arrangement |
US4140957A (en) | 1977-06-20 | 1979-02-20 | Rockwell International Corporation | Calculator driving and battery pack recharging circuit |
KR100286372B1 (en) | 1996-09-06 | 2001-04-16 | 윤종용 | Portable computer |
KR100536589B1 (en) | 1999-07-27 | 2005-12-14 | 삼성전자주식회사 | battery powered electronic device and power supplying control method thereof |
JP2006325343A (en) | 2005-05-19 | 2006-11-30 | Nippon Digital Kenkyusho:Kk | Ac adaptor and electronic equipment |
US7897277B2 (en) | 2006-01-30 | 2011-03-01 | Eveready Battery Company, Inc. | Reversible battery cartridge |
JP5696885B2 (en) | 2011-01-31 | 2015-04-08 | 日立工機株式会社 | Electric tool |
-
2021
- 2021-03-09 JP JP2021037699A patent/JP2022137954A/en active Pending
- 2021-10-28 US US17/513,309 patent/US11812573B2/en active Active
- 2021-11-02 EP EP21205990.1A patent/EP4057107B1/en active Active
Patent Citations (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US5805440A (en) * | 1996-02-20 | 1998-09-08 | Chinon Kabushiki Kaisha | Power supply unit for electronic device |
US7058295B2 (en) * | 2003-02-14 | 2006-06-06 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic equipment |
US9260909B2 (en) * | 2011-12-01 | 2016-02-16 | Ricoh Company, Ltd. | Cover unit including a lock mechanism |
US11239684B2 (en) * | 2018-09-28 | 2022-02-01 | Canon Kabushiki Kaisha | Electronic device and control method |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP4057107B1 (en) | 2023-10-25 |
EP4057107A1 (en) | 2022-09-14 |
US11812573B2 (en) | 2023-11-07 |
JP2022137954A (en) | 2022-09-22 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US9979215B2 (en) | Portable energy storage and power supply system | |
CN105633312B (en) | Secondary battery | |
JP5334406B2 (en) | Portable power supply with power connector | |
KR19990057226A (en) | Multi-Unit Battery Packs and Systems Using This Multi-Unit Battery Pack | |
JPWO2015063994A1 (en) | Power supply | |
US20140193670A1 (en) | Battery pack | |
KR20140021468A (en) | Battery pack | |
KR102183995B1 (en) | Battery pack | |
JP2023030527A (en) | Electronic device | |
JP2008083982A (en) | Electronic equipment | |
US11812573B2 (en) | Electronic device capable of avoiding simultaneous use of power supplies having different terminal structures from each other | |
JP2006325343A (en) | Ac adaptor and electronic equipment | |
US20080053510A1 (en) | Solar Energy Charging Device | |
EP3026728A1 (en) | Rechargeable battery | |
JP6880459B2 (en) | Communication device | |
JP2013218927A (en) | Battery pack | |
JP2010068591A (en) | Charger for portable device | |
EP3291335A1 (en) | Secondary electrochemical battery sealing body with charge indicating lamp | |
US10987958B2 (en) | Printer cover | |
JP3113135U (en) | AC adapter and electronic device | |
JP4609801B2 (en) | Key device and mobile phone | |
CN213583970U (en) | Battery shell structure, battery pack and electronic equipment | |
CN218940720U (en) | Emergency power supply box and mobile power supply thereof | |
WO2022095066A1 (en) | Battery housing structure, battery assembly, and electronic device | |
KR102341530B1 (en) | Sensor |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
AS | Assignment |
Owner name: FUJITSU COMPONENT LIMITED, JAPAN Free format text: ASSIGNMENT OF ASSIGNORS INTEREST;ASSIGNORS:AKIEDA, SHINICHIRO;SHIBUYA, TATSUSHI;KOIKE, TAMOTSU;REEL/FRAME:057952/0351 Effective date: 20211021 |
|
FEPP | Fee payment procedure |
Free format text: ENTITY STATUS SET TO UNDISCOUNTED (ORIGINAL EVENT CODE: BIG.); ENTITY STATUS OF PATENT OWNER: LARGE ENTITY |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NOTICE OF ALLOWANCE MAILED -- APPLICATION RECEIVED IN OFFICE OF PUBLICATIONS |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: PUBLICATIONS -- ISSUE FEE PAYMENT VERIFIED |
|
STCF | Information on status: patent grant |
Free format text: PATENTED CASE |